It appears as though Manny Pacquiao has solidified his return plans, at least as far as the timing, and has stated that his fans should be ready for his September ring return.

“Tell them to be patient. Bob Arum and myself have been talking and will continue talking. What is definite is they’ll see me fight again come September. Not April nor immediately after that as speculations are going,” stated Pacquiao.

“Marquez, according to news reports, doesn’t want to fight me for the fifth time. It actually is up to him. Me? Well, everybody knows I’ll fight anyone. I am not scared of anybody. He doesn’t want to fight me because he won our last fight? Well, as I said after that meeting, lamang pa rin ako, 2-1-1 (win-loss-draw) sa apat na laban naming,” continued Manny.

I assume that the toughest part of his return planning will be picking a formidable and marketable opponent, and truthfully, they are scarce.

Aside from Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao has no-one of substance to fight. Yes, there are a few interesting fights, but there aren’t any mega-fights that will sell out an arena and bring in record PPV numbers.

It’s no secret that any Pacquiao fight is a hot ticket, but I am afraid that it will not be enough. His comeback fight has to have significance and be worth the money, and Bam Bam Rios will not suffice.

As far as Marquez is concerned, can you blame him? Marquez did something that no one had even dreamed of: he knocked out Manny Pacquiao with one blockbuster punch. If there is an ideal way to retire for Marquez, that was it.

Coming back against Manny is a huge risk for Marquez. Losing his KO victory and possibly getting seriously hurt himself is something to consider, but it does come with a financial premium.

Hopefully, whenever Pacquiao announces his next fight it will be attached to the right name.